The IPL 2020’s opener is the most awaited cricketing event globally. The tournament was originally supposed to be played during April- May in India but got suspended due to COVID-19. After almost 6 months after continuous efforts from the BCCI, the IPL is taking place in UAE starting from 19th September with finals on 10th November.
The opening match will be played between defending champions and Chennai Super Kings. Both the sides are out of the most followed franchises in the league. It is always a cracker of a match when these two teams compete. Skipper Rohit Sharma also has similar views. “The ‘El Clasico’ of the IPL” is what Rohit Sharma calls MI vs CSK’s draw.
The teams have faced each other a whopping 28 times which is the most by any two teams which consist of 4 IPL finals. Mumbai Indians have won the IPL four times which is the maximum any team has ever won making them the most successful franchise in the league. CSK has won 3 titles which is just 1 less than the defending champions.
“It’s the two franchises that are most loved by the fans and that’s how it becomes special. I don’t know, we all get our A-game out when we play CSK, and I wish we always do that,” said Hardik Pandya. “To beat a team like this or to compete against a team like this you really have to lift your game and I think naturally all the boys do that. As a franchise its something that we thrive on as well.” Added head coach Mahela Jayawardane.
The opener of IPL 2020 will be played in Dubai and will mark the beginning of the most viewed cricketing league globally. The IPL is being played behind closed doors for the first time due to COVID-19 pandemic.
